The truth about vaccines

What Are The Long-Term Effects Of Tuberculosis?

Untreated tuberculosis may result in several long-term complications, such as permanent lung damage. It's vital for the condition to be treated early to prevent the infection from traveling to other major organs or bodily systems.

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs. It's caused by the bacterium M. Tuberculosis. Without treatment, TB can cause several potentially life threatening complications, such as pneumonia.

Learn more about the long-term health complications caused by untreated TB, when you should speak with a doctor, and the treatment options available.

TB is an infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs. However, the bacterium M. Tuberculosis can move from the lungs and through the lymphatic system to other parts of the body, such as the:

lymph nodes

brain

spine

bones

kidneys

skin

Inactive TB

Around 90% of TB cases are the inactive type. If you have inactive TB, you have the M. Tuberculosis bacterium in your body, but you do not have active TB disease. This means that you do not experience any TB symptoms and are unable to pass the infection to others.

However, you may develop active TB at any time and become unwell. Usually, this happens if your immune system is weakened for some reason.

Active TB

Around 10% of people with inactive TB go on to develop the active type. If you have active TB, it means that your immune system cannot keep the M. Tuberculosis bacteria in check, and the bacteria are multiplying in your body. In this case, you'll experience TB symptoms and are capable of passing the infection to others.

The symptoms of active TB are usually mild at first but tend to worsen over time. They include:

If you have active TB, the bacteria can also spread to other organs or systems in your body, causing additional symptoms. For example, the bacteria can spread to the bones, causing bone pain.

Without treatment, active TB can be fatal.

According to a 2023 research review, complications from active TB are common. Complications were more likely when the person had not taken their medications correctly or had not completed the full course of antibiotic treatment.

Possible complications include:

Hemoptysis: This means coughing up blood from the lungs.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): This is a lung disease that can make it hard to breathe.

Empyema: This is a collection of pus in the pleural space, which is the area between the lung and its surrounding membrane (pleura).

Pneumothorax: This is a collection of air between the lung and the chest wall, which causes the lung to collapse.

Bronchiectasis: Bronchiectasis is a chronic condition in which the walls of the airways widen and thicken due to infection and inflammation.

Fibrothorax: Fibrothorax is a type of severe scarring or "fibrosis" within the pleural space, which can impair movement of the ribcage and affect breathing.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS): This happens when there's a buildup of fluid within the tiny air sacs of the lungs, which prevents the lungs from filling properly with air. It may also cause the lungs to scar and stiffen. The main signs and symptoms are breathing difficulties and low blood oxygen levels.

Disseminated TB infection: This is a disease process in which the M. Tuberculosis bacteria enters other parts of the body, causing infection outside of the lungs. An example is tubercular meningitis, which affects the brain.

In cases of inactive TB, the M. Tuberculosis bacteria can lie dormant for many years or even decades before causing active disease.

In cases of active TB, the disease requires immediate treatment over several months. A 2023 research review added that between 2% and 12% of people who complete the treatment will experience a recurrence of the disease, usually within the first year. In most cases, this happens when a person does not take their medications properly or contracts M. Tuberculosis again.

Tuberculosis is a potentially curable disease, though treatment depends on the type of TB. Below are the different types and their associated treatment options.

Inactive TB

If you have inactive TB, a doctor will typically prescribe antibiotic medications to kill the M. Tuberculosis bacteria, which prevents the disease from becoming active.

The most common preventive therapy is the antibiotic rifampin (Rifadin), which is available as a pill that you take once per day for 4 months.

Active TB

If you have active TB, a doctor will likely prescribe a combination of antibiotic medications to help treat the infection. You'll usually have to take these medications for at least 6 months.

Most people will receive preventive therapy in combination with the following three antibiotics:

You may begin to feel better within weeks of starting the treatment, but it's important that you continue taking the medication as the doctor prescribes and for the specified duration.

Not completing the treatment can increase your risk of developing drug-resistant TB, which is when the drugs prescribed to treat TB no longer work in your body.

You should speak with a doctor immediately if you think you are experiencing symptoms of TB and if:

you have recently come into contact with someone who has TB

you've lived in or visited a part of the world where TB is prevalent, such as:

Asia

Africa

Eastern Europe

Central or South America

you've received a diagnosis of inactive TB

you've had active TB in the past

you have a weakened immune system

You should also speak with a doctor if you're taking treatment for TB but experience persistent or worsening symptoms. These may be signs that the treatment is not working effectively and that an alternative option may be needed.

What is the life expectancy of TB?

A 2020 study found that active TB could reduce life expectancy by an average of 7 years.

How can TB impact your life?

TB can impact your life in several ways, such as affecting your physical and mental health. It can also lead to stigma, which can affect social life, work, and school.

Is TB curable?

Yes, TB is curable when diagnosed and treated early. TB is typically treated with daily antibiotics taken over several months.

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium M. Tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs but may also affect other parts of the body.

You should speak with a doctor if you're concerned about possible TB symptoms, especially if you have risk factors for TB or you have had the disease previously. Without treatment, the condition can cause serious and potentially life threatening complications.

6 Long-Term Complications Of Atopic Dermatitis

When you're managing atopic dermatitis (AD), a type of severe eczema, you know how frustrating the condition can be. The itchy patches of inflamed skin can feel unbearable. But what you may not realize is that AD can also trigger other conditions, such as skin infections, eye complications, and more.

"The body is a whole functioning unit," says Dawn Davis, MD, an associate professor of dermatology and pediatrics at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. So, what happens in one system can affect another in your body.

How Atopic Dermatitis Affects the Entire Body

Experts say atopic dermatitis can be caused by genetics, environmental factors, or a combination of the two. And because AD impairs the functions of an essential protein (called filaggrin), the skin is no longer able to safeguard against outside invaders.

"Healthy filaggrin 'glues' cells together to build a solid barrier, acting like mortar between bricks," Dr. Davis explains. Without this protection, your skin becomes dry, damaged, and particularly vulnerable to bacteria, viruses, fungi, allergens, and other irritants, all of which can cause issues that go beyond the skin.

A report found a link between AD and several other health issues, including skin infections, sleep deprivation, psychological problems, and conditions caused by abnormal immune system activity, such as asthma and food allergies.

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"We found that about 40 percent of people with AD developed rhinitis, an inflammatory nasal condition; 30 percent had suspected food allergies; and some had both," says Davis, who was a lead author of the study.

The Most Common Long-Term Complications of Atopic Dermatitis

If you're living with severe AD, you should look out for these complications:

Skin Infections

Fragile, damaged skin from atopic dermatitis can increase the risk of a staph infection, which causes inflamed skin and pus-filled bumps. AD can also lead to the highly contagious impetigo, a skin infection that causes red bumps. The chance of developing an infection called eczema herpeticum, which is caused by the herpes virus, also rises and can become severe. To ward off these infections, Davis routinely samples and tests atopic dermatitis lesions.

"A skin culture can quickly identify the infection source and point to a particular antiseptic or antimicrobial to suppress it," she notes.

Asthma and Allergies

AD triples your risk of asthma, which constricts and inflames airways, making it difficult to breathe. Atopic dermatitis also increases the possibility of developing food allergies by 30 percent. Your doctor should ask about your lung health and allergies and refer you to a pulmonologist or allergist when needed.

Eye Problems

If atopic dermatitis makes your eyes itchy, causing you to rub them frequently, you may get pink eye or keratoconus, a rare condition where the cornea gets thinner and forms a cone shape. Both conditions require immediate care by an ophthalmologist. If you experience vision loss, double vision, or crusty, red eyes, call your doctor immediately.

Mental Health Issues

Managing the symptoms and lifestyle implications of AD, such as avoiding certain activities or having lower self-esteem, can take a toll on your mental health and often lead to anxiety and depression. If you're embarrassed by your inflamed, patchy skin, you may feel like isolating yourself, which makes depression worse. Some people turn to alcohol, nicotine, or drugs to cope, which can lead to a substance use disorder. Dermatologists often recommend psychological counseling, support groups, meditation, and relaxation training for people living with AD.

Sleep Problems

Intense itchiness makes falling and staying asleep challenging. And frequently being sleep deprived can potentially damage your job performance, personal relationships, and mental stability.

The key to better sleep is getting the itch under control. To do this, your doctor may prescribe antihistamines, over-the-counter topical treatments, or sleep medications. You may also find it helpful to see a therapist or sleep specialist.

Cardiovascular Problems

Research has yet to confirm a definitive link between atopic dermatitis and cardiovascular complications, such as heart attack and stroke. But many clinicians consider these diseases anecdotal risks.

"That's because AD inflammation circulates everywhere, including to the heart and blood vessels," Davis explains. For people with AD, standard heart screenings are common and could help keep an eye on things.

When to Talk to Your Doctor

Because severe eczema can cause other health issues, it's critical to track your symptoms and share them with your doctor. "Record when and how often you have flare-ups, how severe the itching is, and any other medical problems you have," says Jonathan Silverberg, MD, PhD, an associate professor of dermatology and the director of clinical research and contact dermatitis at The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences in Washington, DC.

Don't be afraid to reach out to your doctor with questions or requests for more help. "The biggest AD issue we face is therapeutic inertia, in which people stay at whatever level of discomfort they are at and don't seek improvement, because they don't know what else is out there," says Dr. Silverberg.

The Takeaway

Atopic dermatitis may lead to other long-term health issues, including skin infections, asthma, allergies, eye problems, sleep issues, heart concerns, and mental health challenges. But tracking your symptoms and discussing any changes with your doctor can help keep your health in check.

What Are The Long-Term Health Effects Of The Flu?

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, can cause damage. Long-term effects of the flu include heart complications, pneumonia, and physical decline in older adults.

About 4,900 to 51,000 people die from the flu every year. Being vaccinated reduces your risk of getting a severe case of the flu, hospitalization, and death. It also makes you less likely to spread the flu to others.

Respiratory illnesses can cause a heart attack. In one study, researchers found that the risk of having a heart attack was six times higher the week after being diagnosed with the flu compared to the year before or after. The flu has been shown to increase the risk of heart complications. One study found that heart complications occurred in 12% of the people who were hospitalized with the flu. Those with heart disease or who have had a stroke are at higher risk for complications associated with the flu. It's even more important for these people to get an annual flu shot to prevent these complications. If you're confined to your bed when you have the flu, you may lose muscle tone and strength. This is especially dangerous for older adults but can also affect younger people to a lesser extent, William Schaffner, MD, an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University, told Health. Exercise after the flu can help you feel better. Dr. Schaffner recommended starting with a low-intensity activity like brisk walking. "After you've had a really bad viral infection, your body needs time to recuperate—and overdoing it right away can make you feel sicker," Sharon Nachman, MD, chief of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Stony Brook University School of Medicine, told Health. Listen to your body, and scale back for a few days if you feel short of breath or overly fatigued. Getting the flu could be the first step in a continual decline among older adults in terms of their health and ability to take care of themselves. While they have the flu, older adults face a higher risk of serious illness, hospitalization, and death. They're also at greater risk of reduced quality of life afterward. "Make sure they're getting the help they need to get back to their normal routine," said Dr. Schaffner. "In some cases, they may even need some physical therapy to help them do that." The flu can also affect the immune system, which can leave people vulnerable to other illnesses and infections—like pneumonia, for example. Pneumonia is often referred to as a complication of the flu. It's also not unusual for a person to come down with it once their initial flu symptoms have passed. It can be normal to feel like you're not at 100% after a bad case of the flu. Talk to a healthcare provider to rule out something more serious if your symptoms do not get better or worsen. These infections are sometimes bacterial, which means antibiotics are likely needed to treat them. Some people may be more likely to develop complications from the flu than others. Risk factors include: Being younger than 5 years or older than 65 years Blood disorders Conditions that affect the kidneys, liver, nerves, or muscles Diabetes Lung or heart disease Neurological disorders Weak immune system The body has to work hard to fight the flu virus, and it can take time to recover. A recent case of influenza can affect the results of blood tests and medical screenings. Your white blood cell count is going to be low, for example, after most viral illnesses. After having the flu, mention it to a healthcare provider if you're scheduled for any routine testing. They can factor it into your results. Talk to a healthcare provider if you are at risk for severe illness from the flu. They may prescribe antiviral medications to treat the infection. Antiviral drugs can shorten the time you are sick and prevent complications. They are most effective if you start them within two days of symptoms onset. Getting an annual flu vaccine is one of the best ways to prevent the flu altogether. Other ways to protect yourself and others include: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or the crook of your elbow when you cough or sneeze. Disinfect all surfaces that people commonly touch in your home, such as doorknobs. Do not share personal items. Improve air quality by opening windows, turning on fans, or using portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) cleaners. Keep track of your symptoms, and report them to a healthcare provider if necessary. Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are unavailable. Stay home and away from others if you are sick. Wear a high-quality mask. It's important to contact a healthcare provider right away if you develop flu symptoms and are at risk for complications. Get medical attention right away if you have: The flu can cause long-term effects, such as heart complications, pneumonia, and physical decline in older adults. These risks, which may occur after or at the same time as the flu, may not be as well known or as well publicized as the more obvious symptoms and immediate complications. They can serve as even more reasons to get vaccinated and hopefully prevent getting infected in the first place. Getting an annual flu shot can protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death.

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